Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle vs Split-Footed Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle Split-Footed Lacewing
Scientific Name Dytiscus latissimus Nymphes myrmeleonides
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Dytiscidae Nymphidae
Size 36-44 mm 50-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Northern Europe, Scandinavia Oceania
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle

The largest European diving beetle and one of the largest aquatic beetles in the world. It inhabits clean, fish-poor lakes and is increasingly rare.

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Did You Know?

It is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and is one of the most endangered beetles in Europe.

Split-Footed Lacewing

A large Australian lacewing with a wingspan up to 70 mm and distinctive bilobed tarsi. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

This species belongs to an ancient lineage of lacewings found only in Australia, dating back over 150 million years.